SECAmb tips for staying safe and cool in the sun

SECAmb tips for staying safe and cool in the sun

Stay in the shade or indoors. The sun is at its most dangerous
between 11am and 3pm. Find shade under umbrellas, trees or
canopies. It is worth remembering that the temperature is often a
couple of degrees cooler if you are by water

Use sunscreen and cover up. If you can't avoid being out in the
sun apply a high factor sunscreen and wear a t-shirt, hat and
sunglasses

Increase your fluid intake. The normal recommended daily
intake of fluid is 2.5 litres or 8 glasses per day. In extreme heat
experts recommend you drink more and include a range of different
fluids

Keep your home cool. Keep windows closed while the room is
cooler than it is outside. Open them when the temperature inside
rises, and at night for ventilation

Look after the elderly. Older people are more prone to the
effects of heat. If you have older relatives or neighbours, you can
help simply by checking on them and reminding them to drink plenty
and often. Also help them to keep their house as cool as possible,
using a fan if necessary

Protect children. Keep a close eye on young children, who need
plenty of fluids. A good way to check if they are drinking enough
is that they are passing urine regularly and that it is not too
dark. You should check nappies regularly. Babies and the very young
must be kept out of the sun

Act safely around water and follow lifeguard advice. Avoid
excessive physical exertion. If you are taking physical exercise
you need to drink half a litre of fluid at least half an hour
beforehand and continue to replenish your fluids during and after
exercising

Be sensible with alcohol. Hot weather speeds up the effects of
alcohol so extra care should be taken when drinking. Alcohol will
lead to dehydration so make sure that you alternate alcoholic
drinks with water or fruit juice

Know the perils of outdoor eating. Warm summer weather is a
perfect breeding ground for bacteria so it is especially important
to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold until you are ready to
eat them. When barbecuing always make sure you cook meat until it
is piping hot, none of it is pink and all juices run clear

Keep cool at work. The office is often the coolest place to be
in a heat wave. Ask your boss for air-conditioning or fans and open
windows where possible. Keep windows shaded with blinds and if
possible move your working position out of direct sunlight. Have
plenty of breaks during the day to get cold drinks and cool
down

Remember, heat stroke can kill. It can develop very suddenly and
rapidly lead to unconsciousness. If you suspect someone is
suffering from heat stroke call 999 immediately.

While waiting for the ambulance you should listen carefully to
the call handler and follow the instructions given to you. The
following can also help someone suffering from heat stroke:

If possible, move the person somewhere cooler

Increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan

Cool the patient down as quickly as possible by loosening their
clothes, sprinkling them with cold water or wrapping them in a damp
sheet

If they are conscious, give them water or fruit juice to
drink

Do not give them aspirin or paracetamol

If you need medical advice or treatment you can also talk to a
pharmacist, call NHS 111, visit your GP surgery or Minor Injury
Unit.

When to call 999:

If you think a patient is suffering from one of the following
you must dial 999 for an ambulance:

heart attack (e.g. chest pain for more than 15
minutes)

sudden unexplained shortness of breath

heavy bleeding

unconsciousness (even if the patient has regained
consciousness)

traumatic back/spinal/neck pain

You should also call for an ambulance if:

you think the patient's illness or injury is
life-threatening

you think the illness or injury may become worse, or even
life-threatening on the way to the hospital

the patient needs the skills or equipment of the ambulance
service and its personnel